He had never taken theology very seriously. The great philosophers had interested him most. But in all of Leibnitz’ Theodicée he could not recall a single line that even remotely dealt with such things as this. As a matter of fact, he could eliminate everything he had ever read, with the possible exception of Concordia Pia. In that volume there had indeed been something definite about the anguish of a frightened conscience. But what was it? He regretted that he had studied Concordia Pia so carelessly. He had, of course, always viewed the confessional writings as remnants of medievalism, understandable only against the background of papal darkness.

Zion’s Facebook “READING RING” is tackling this book, beginning this week. Now… Online reading groups are a new thing for me. I’ve just read because I like it, but it’s kind of fun reading stuff with other people who enjoy reading stuff.

And this book is going to be a kick!

It is a cluster of three novellas, so even folks who don’t like reading will find this to be less painful than a tooth extraction. It deals with Lutheran teachings, but it isn’t preachy. Cocky and self-righteous doctors of theology wind up learning that they know less about faith than simple people who trust what God says.

As you can see from the quote, things have not changed much.

Written by a man who started life as an atheist, no less. I’m going to enjoy this so much!